The Voice of Hispanic Higher Education - Summer 2023

NATIONAL HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS WEEK

September 11-17, 2023

Each year, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) calls on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) to join in observance of National HSIs Week. This week recognizes the 572 HSIs throughout the nation for their work and critical role in educating and empowering Hispanic youth. This year, HSIs Week will take place Sept. 11-17, 2023, coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month.

Celebrating HSIs Week

Below are some suggestions of how colleges and universities can celebrate HSIs Week:

HSIs Week is observed by colleges and universities across the nation. Social media, virtual events and campus activities are encouraged to heighten awareness of the important role HSIs play in improving access to education and advancing equity for traditionally underserved students. Plans are underway for several members of Congress to recognize the contributions of HSIs in their communities.

1. Raise awareness - Partner with your local newspaper or radio station to advertise National HSIs Week and the events sponsored by your institution. This increased visibility can highlight the contributions made by HSIs on a local, national and international scale. Mention your membership with HACU.

2. Host a campus forum - Organize a town hall meeting with students, faculty, staff and community leaders to explore issues of particular interest to the HSI community.

3. Organize a community-wide activity - Build and promote campus-community partnerships to address various issues impacting the local community.

4. Use social media - Share your HSI stories and/or how your institution plans to celebrate National HSIs Week. Have your president share a video clip on the importance of HSIs. Tag @HACUNews on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Use hashtag #HSIs #HSIsWeek

5. Showcase your students - Arrange for your institution’s choir, band, cheerleading squad to perform during National HSIs Week. You may also highlight the week during a sporting event any day that week.

6. Celebrate National HSIs Week in a way unique to your institution.

OF HISPANIC HIGHER EDUCATION

VOLUME 32 | NUMBER 2 | SUMMER 2023

The Voice of Hispanic Higher Education is published quarterly by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, 4801 N.W. Loop 410, Suite 701, San Antonio, Texas 78229.

The Voice of Hispanic Higher Education reserves the right to edit all materials submitted for publication. We are not responsible for returning any unsolicited materials such as photos, brochures, etc. We also reserve the right to refuse publication of any unsolicited material.

Publisher Antonio R. Flores, Ph.D.

HACU President and CEO

Senior Vice President for Programs and Operations

Lisa Alcorta, Ph.D.

Editor

Norma Jean Revilla-García njgarcia@hacu.net

Assistant editor/writer

Chris de Hoyos chris.dehoyos@hacu.net

Designer Michael Lopez michael.lopez@hacu.net

Writer Lupe Flores news@hacu.net

HISPANIC ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES GOVERNING BOARD 2022-23

Mike Flores, Chair Chancellor

Alamo Colleges District

San Antonio, Texas

Juan S. Muñoz, Vice Chair Chancellor University of California, Merced Merced, Calif.

Margaret Venable, Secretary President Dalton State College Dalton, Ga.

Emma Grace Hernández

Flores, Treasurer President Universidad de Iberoamérica San José, Costa Rica

Federico Zaragoza, Substitute for Past-Chair President

College of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, Nev.

Ted Alejandre

Superintendent   San Bernardino County Schools San Bernadino, Calif.

Irma Becerra  President  Marymount University  Arlington, Va.

Adela de la Torre President San Diego State University San Diego, Calif.

Howard Gillman

Chancellor University of California, Irvine Irvine, Calif.

Reyes González  President  St. Augustine College  Chicago, Ill.

Devorah Lieberman President University of La Verne La Verne, California

Cesar Maldonado Chancellor Houston Community College Houston, Texas

Gary May Chancellor University of California, Davis Davis, Calif.

Margaret McMenamin President  Union College  Cranford, N.J.

Brad Mortensen President Weber State University Ogden, Utah

Greg Peterson President Chandler-Gilbert Community College Chandler, Ariz.

Garnett S. Stokes President The University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, N.M.

Luke Visconti Chairman and Founder  DiversityInc

West Palm Beach, Fla.

Antonio R. Flores, Ex-Officio President and CEO HACU

Subscription Rates:

The subscription rate for nonmembers of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) is $35 for one year and $50 for two years. For members, the rate is $28 for one year and $40 for two years. Information and subscription available at www.hacu.net.

ABOUT HACU

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain and school districts throughout the U.S. The mission of HACU is to champion hispanic success in higher education. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters are located in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento, California. Additional information is available at www.hacu.net.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO

The summer issue of The Voice of Hispanic Higher Education traditionally has one of our favorite features, highlights of some of the commencement ceremonies celebrated by our member institutions across the nation. The stories demonstrate our communities celebrating the hard work and dedication of students, staff and faculty, and rightfully so. We congratulate all the institutions and their 2023 graduates who are the future leaders of our country. We thank everyone who sent in the commencement news included in this issue on page 8.

In this issue we also feature a recap and photo collage on page 14 from this year’s HACU Capitol Forum on Hispanic Higher Education, the largest attendance on record, that took place April 1-2, in Washington, D.C. The involvement of students, faculty and administrators in advocacy at HACU events and programs are vital to ensuring that what we do continues to effect progress for our students and the institutions that serve them. We thank all those who participated in meeting representatives, senators and their staff to urge equitable spending for the institutions that are preparing the next generation for the challenges of the future.

Please send your federal grant success stories (such as Title V or NSF) to news@hacu.net. These stories are prime examples of the difference grant funding makes for students attending Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and highlighting the students and their institutions shows how support at the federal level is essential in ensuring student success.

We look forward to seeing you this fall at HACU’s 37th Annual Conference, Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success: Diversifying our Workforce and Strengthening America, October 28-30, 2023, at the Hilton Chicago. It will be the second inperson conference after the rigors and precautions of the pandemic, and marks a return to the Windy City for HACU’s premier conference on higher education.

We hope you enjoy this special issue of our magazine featuring so many dedicated champions of Hispanic higher education.

Cordially,

Antonio R. Flores President and CEO

Hispanic-Serving Institutions across the nation now total 572

HACU releases its 2023 Legislative Agenda

HACU released its 2023 Legislative Agenda for the 118th Congress to address Hispanic higher education needs as well as critical pipeline issues into higher education, and PK-12 support and funding. HACU’s Legislative Agenda is available online at hacu.net.

HACU’s top priorities are:

• Equitable funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions across all federal agencies

HACU released an analysis of the 2021-22 Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System enrollment data showing an increase in the number of Hispanic-Serving Institutions and continued growth in Hispanic student enrollment at colleges and universities.

In 2021-22, there were 572 institutions that met the definition of an HSI compared to 559 in 2020-21. This rise represents an increase in the enrollment and concentration of Hispanic students in colleges and universities around the country after a decrease seen during the previous year that reported data during the pandemic.

The number of Emerging HSIs -- colleges approaching the 25% Hispanic student enrollment threshold -- grew to 400 in 2021-22, compared to 393 in 2020-21.

Important facts about HSIs to note:

• HSIs enroll 5 million students and two-thirds of all Hispanic undergraduates

• HSIs enroll 31.2% of Pell recipients

• Of the top 10 colleges and universities ranked by the Social Mobility Index (SMI) in 2022, seven were HSIs

• A majority of HSIs are in urban areas and are concentrated geographically, with 80% (455) of these institutions located in six states and one territory: California (170), Florida (32), Illinois (31), New Mexico (24), New York (37), Texas (102) and Puerto Rico (59)

• California and Texas account for nearly 50 percent of all HSIs

• HSIs and Emerging HSIs are present in all but eight states

Read more and download HSI fact sheets at hacu.net. Celebrate National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week, Sept. 11-17, 2023.

• Increasing authorization levels for Title V Part A and Title V Part B, especially in light of the rapid growth in the number of HSIs that educate the nation’s future workforce

• The 2023 Reauthorization of the Farm Bill, which will strengthen the capacity of HSIs and Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities

• Immigration Reform, including immediate passage of the Dream Act followed by a Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill

• Increasing the Pell Grant to cover expenses beyond tuition, as well as extending eligibility for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals eligible and Temporary Protected Status

• Capital Financing Bill to provide federally guaranteed loans at zero to nominal interest rates to finance infrastructure improvements at HSIs

• Hispanic Educational Resources and Empowerment Act, supporting partnerships and collaborations between HSIs and Hispanic-Serving School Districts

HACU announces workshops of its premier national conference

on Hispanic higher education in Chicago, Oct. 28-30, 2023

President Flores receives LATINA Style, Inc. 2023 Excellence Award

HACU announced the workshops of its 37th Annual Conference, to be held at the Hilton Chicago, Oct. 28-30, 2023, along with pre- and post-conference events. More than 50 workshops offered under seven tracks on the theme “Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success: Diversifying our Workforce and Strengthening America.”

The HACU ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute (student track), offered for undergraduate students in conjunction with the conference, will be held Oct. 28-30. Students can apply to be sponsored to attend the conference through HACU’s Leader in Residence Program through the deadline of June 23, 2023.

New to the pre-conference line-up on Oct. 27 is the inaugural Women’s Leadership Symposium. Pre-conference events on Oct. 28 include the 22nd Latino Higher Education Leadership Institute, “Exploring Diverse and Inclusive Workforce Strategies that Lead to Organizational Success,” and the Ninth PreK-12/Higher Education Collaboration Symposium. The post-conference 12th Annual Deans’ Forum on Hispanic Higher Education, “Leading a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce in the 21st Century,” will take place Oct. 31. Learn more and register at hacu.net.

Flores, who has served HACU for 27 years, is the third and longestserving president of the Association. He has been a leading voice of HSIs, which represent more than 500 colleges and universities educating two-thirds of the nearly 5 million Hispanic students in U.S. higher education. Advocacy efforts have garnered over $4 billion in federal funding for HSIs.

Antonio Flores receives NJCU Presidential Medal of Honor

The award presentation took place during a meeting on the NJCU campus focused on engaging with students and education leaders in Hudson County and elected representatives about the high value of minority and Hispanic-serving Institutions. In 2016, Flores received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from NJCU.

HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores received the 2023 Excellence Award from LATINA Style Inc. on April 6, 2023. The award was presented as part of the LATINA Style Business Series that took place in San Antonio, Texas.

HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores received the New Jersey City University Medal of Honor on May 5, 2023. The award was presented by Interim NJCU President Andrés Acebo in Jersey City, New Jersey.

HACU and NBCUniversal Telemundo partner to increase Hispanic representation in broadcast media

HACU hosts Emerging Leaders event with San Jose State University

HACU has partnered with NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises to expand the Telemundo Academy, bringing hands-on experience, access and professional knowledge to even more Latino students pursuing careers across the media industry.

Luis Rosero, vice president of corporate and external affairs at NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, and HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores signed on behalf of both organizations.

The new partnership with HACU will expand Telemundo Academy’s reach to HSIs across the country. Telemundo will connect media executives to HSIs each semester, creating a unique opportunity for students to learn from top professionals in the industry.

HACU and Google partner on Latinx Student Leadership Summit in Austin, Texas

HACU hosted an Emerging Leaders’ Summit on April 3, 2023, on the campus of San Jose State University. The event brought together over 100 college and university students with professionals and corporate representatives to learn about career opportunities, tips for resume writing, interviewing and securing internships.

Corporate partners that held career preparation workshops and panels included: Adobe, Career Launch, Fidelity, Kia America, Inc., LinkedIn, Palo Alto Networks and Workday.

Students from the following institutions were among the participants.

California State University, East Bay

California State University, Monterey Bay

California State University, Sacramento

Contra Costa College

San Francisco State University

San Jose State University

Sonoma State University

University of California, Davis

University of California, Merced

University of California, Santa Cruz

University of San Francisco

HACU partnered with Google to co-host a Latinx Student Leadership Summit in Austin, Texas, on April 29-30, 2023. Fifty undergraduate student leaders from across the nation with an interest in technology participated in leadership development activities during the two-day summit.

The agenda included breakout discussions, keynote speakers, and networking with the Latinx Googler Network, HACU and Computing Alliance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Attendees were provided access to the Google Buddy program, where they were paired with tech and non-tech Googlers, who provided personalized readiness programming.

Send us Your News and Pictures

HACU-member institutions can send news, photos and their logo for publishing consideration in an upcoming magazine edition. Send to news@hacu.net.

HACU and the United States Agency for International Development announce partnership

HACU president and CEO speaks on panel at UC Alianza MX presentation in Washington, D.C.

HACU and the U.S. Agency for International Development announced a partnership agreement that will help expand opportunities for students and faculty at HACU-member institutions.

The signing between HACU and USAID leadership took place April 19, 2023, in Washington, D.C., at HACU’s 28th Annual National Capitol Forum. HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores and Administrator Samantha Powers signed on behalf of both organizations. HACU Governing board members President of Southern Nevada College Federico Zaragoza, Ph.D., President of New Mexico University Garnett S. Stokes, Ph.D., Chancellor of Alamo Colleges District Mike Flores, Ph.D., and USAID representatives were among those present for the signing.

HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores was among the panelists at the University of California Alianza MX, presentation of the Final Report of the 2022 Forum on Education and Migration: “The Future of the US-Mexico Human Capital, Opportunities for a bilateral agenda on education and migration” on May 16, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

The focus of the panel discussion was on how to better integrate Mexican origin students in the U.S. educational system. Joining Flores on the panel was Julie Sugarman, senior policy analyst for PreK-12 Education, Center on Immigrant Integration Policy, Migration Policy Institute. The panel was moderated by Rafael Laveaga, chief of the consular section of the Embassy of Mexico in the United States of America.

The Leading Job Board in Hispanic Higher Education

Your Trusted Source for K-12 Job Openings

HACU National Internship Program bids farewell to spring interns with virtual ceremony

Jacqueline Carrillo National Science Foundation, Summer 2023  Hybrid/Summer Scholar Internship Program

HACU bid farewell to its 2023 spring interns with a virtual ceremony held on April 14, 2023. The interns were undergraduate and graduate students who served with federal agencies across the country as part of the HACU National Internship Program.

HACU’s National Internship Program Executive Director Diana Vasquez welcomed and congratulated the interns, followed by keynote speaker Javier E. Inclán, who serves as the assistant inspector general for management and chief information officer for the National Science Foundation’s Office of Inspector General.

The following interns gave presentations and discussed their experiences at the agencies they served within the program:

• Amelia Torres, George Mason University, Department of Agriculture

• Victoria Macali, California State University, Long Beach, Security and Exchange Commission

• Leah Bland, Marymount University, Bureau of Engraving and Printing

• Alex Gutierrez, California State University, Los Angeles, Security and Exchange Commission

HACU National Internship Program accepting applications for fall session

HACU is accepting applications from college students for the fall 2023 session of the HACU National Internship Program. The fall internship program dates are Sept. 4 – Dec. 16, 2023, with an extended online application deadline of July 21, 2023.

Internships are available to currently enrolled undergraduate, graduate, and recently graduated students in any major. Positions are located at federal agencies in Washington, D.C., field offices nationwide or remotely. Learn more and apply at hacu.net/hnip.

Three years ago I had made my decision to return to college at the age of 23 and started my journey at Las Positas College in California, after experiencing life circumstances. I was hopeful and optimistic, my ability to look on the bright side and envision opportunities has helped me cross paths with professional individuals who are passionate about their work.

It’s my first month as a 2023 NSF Summer Scholar Intern and I am extremely grateful for the HACU National Internship Program and the opportunity to be a part of the conversation during the proposal review process within the Division of Formal and Informal Learning for the AISL program. I’ve worked with my mentors on the analysis of AISL projects funded under the new solicitation to understand how projects are advancing equity. I had the opportunity to work on qualitative coding of a large set of AISL proposals using an advancing equity coding scheme for mixed methods evaluation using MAXQDA, the qualitative and mixed methods data analysis software, testing and iterating automated keyword searches for alignment with equity concepts. I reported on results to the AISL program team and collaborated on recommendations.

I was excited to present my project at NSF during the end of my internship, but I recognized time was passing and I wanted to fully take in the experience before it is over. I look forward to inviting my mentors, friends, and family to my project presentation virtually because they were there for me when I took my first steps into academia. This is an experience I will never forget. I am doing informational interviews soon, attending professional development workshops and seminars from both NSF and HNIP and learning from professionals currently working in the federal government.

Summer 2023 NSF interns meeting their supervisors in-person for the first time. In photo: Eduard Thompson, Steven Romero, Mayra Cortez, Valeria Orozco Saldarriaga, Amanda Miranda Perez, and Jackie Carillo.

Arizona

Central Arizona College Recognizes May 2023 Graduates

Central Arizona College recognized this year’s college graduates during a commencement ceremony at the Signal Peak Campus on Friday, May 12, 2023.

A total of 681 graduates for the 2022-2023 academic year were recognized, earning a total of 828 degrees and certificates, with the oldest awarded a degree or certificate this year 74-years-old and the youngest 17-years-old. Ten students graduated from both CAC and high school as members of the class of 2023. The college has awarded a total of 27,747 degrees and certificates to 20,051 individuals.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College celebrates class of 2023

California Cal Poly Pomona celebrates class of 2023

Cal Poly Pomona celebrated approximately 7,500 graduates during 12 commencement ceremonies taking place over these three days at the center of campus in the University Quad. The class of 2023 includes students who completed their bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in fall 2022, spring 2023 and summer 2023.

More than 8,200 University of California, Irvine students attend 2023 commencement

UCI granted 8,966 degrees to 8,507 undergraduates, 1,815 master’s degrees and 393 doctoral degrees during the 2023 commencement ceremonies, with 46 percent of those receiving bachelor’s degrees first-generation college students.

University of La Verne celebrates the graduates of 2023

Chandler-Gilbert Community College recognized the Class of 2023 on May 12, 2023, with 739 graduates earning 750 degrees, the youngest 16-years-old, with three graduates dual-enrolled high school students and the oldest graduate 55-years-old. The graduating class had combined community service of over 10,510 hours of service provided and counted 34 veterans among CGCC’s graduates. Chandler-Gilbert Community College is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

The University of La Verne celebrated graduates from five colleges during the annual commencement ceremonies held Friday, May 26, and Saturday, May 27, 2023. This is the first commencement for the College of Health and Community Well-Being.

The following keynote speakers addressed graduates: U.S. Department of Education Under Secretary James Kvaal; California State Senator Susan Rubio; President of the American Council on Education Ted Mitchell; San Bernardino County Superior Court Judge Lisa Rogan; and President-elect of the Society of Neurological Surgeons and University of La Verne Board of Trustees Member Kim Burchiel.

California

UC Merced celebrates nearly 1,500 graduates during 2023 spring commencement

Idaho Boise University holds 112th commencement ceremony

Families and friends of nearly 3,000 new Boise State University graduates celebrated with a commencement ceremony May 6, 2023. This spring, 2,960 Boise State students were eligible for graduation, qualifying for 3,510 degrees or certificates.

Nearly 1,500 graduates participated in UC Merced’s 2023 spring commencement in three ceremonies. One ceremony celebrated 102 graduate students, including 61 doctorate and 41 master’s awards. A second ceremony celebrated graduates from the School of Engineering and the School of Natural Sciences with a combined 612 undergraduates. A third and final ceremony recognized 727 graduates from the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts. NASA astronaut Joseph M. Acaba was the keynote speaker during the last two ceremonies.

Florida

FAU celebrates spring 2023 Graduates

Florida Atlantic University conferred more than 3,000 degrees for the spring semester during six in-person commencement ceremonies. Of the graduates, 938 are first-generation students with 72 countries represented. The new graduates will join more than 199,000 alumni who have graduated from FAU since the university opened its doors in 1964.

Indiana PNW celebrates graduates at spring commencement

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) held its spring commencement on May 6, 2023. Judge Diane Kavadias Schneider served as the keynote speaker and urged graduates to uphold the values and freedoms afforded to them as U.S. residents and exhibit service to others as exemplary, participatory civilians in a democracy. PNW’s spring 2023 graduating class includes 889 candidates, with 755 earning baccalaureate degrees and 134 earning master’s degrees.

New Jersey

Bergen Community College hosts May commencement

More than 7,000 graduates, families, friends, faculty, staff and special guests participated in Bergen Community College’s 54th annual commencement exercises on May 16 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The 1,000-plus graduates in attendance included students who completed their degrees in August and December 2022 and May 2023.

Hudson County Community College holds 46th commencement

The Hudson County Community College class of 2023 received their college degrees at HCCC’s 46th Commencement Ceremony on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. A record number of 1,500 graduates heard remarks delivered by HCCC President Christopher Reber, Ph.D. “As the class of 2023 embarks upon the next chapters of their lives, we know they will continue to demonstrate the fortitude, perseverance and leadership that brought them success as HCCC students. We celebrate them and their families,” he said.

Kean University awards nearly 3,000 bachelor’s degrees to class of 2023

Kean University celebrated its spring graduates on May 18, 2023, at its undergraduate commencement ceremony. Holly Taylor ’21, a Kean University alumna and star of TV’s Manifest and The Americans, served as commencement speaker. A total of 2,822 students earned bachelor’s degrees.

New Mexico

New Mexico Tech holds spring commencement ceremony

The New Mexico Tech Class celebrated spring graduates with a commencement ceremony on May 13, 2023. The NMT Board of Regents conferred three associate’s degrees, 253 bachelor’s degrees, 103 master’s degrees, 14 doctorates, eight graduate certificates, and two honorary degrees at the ceremony. Xochitl Torres Small, Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for Rural Development and former member of Congress, delivered the keynote address.

New York New York Tech celebrates the class of 2023

Nearly 6,500 graduates, family members, and friends joined faculty, staff, and administration at New York Institute of Technology’s Long Island campus on May 21 to celebrate its 62nd annual commencement. The event saluted 2,611 candidates from 73 countries and throughout the United States, 29% of whom are earning undergraduate degrees and the remainder graduate, medical, professional or post-graduate degrees.

Students from the university’s campuses in New York City and Long Island, as well as from Vancouver, British Columbia, attended the ceremony. Twenty-eight members of the Class of 2023 are veterans; the youngest undergraduate student is 20-years-old and the oldest is 62.

North Carolina

Nearly 5,000 graduates celebrated in East Carolina University commencement

East Carolina University held commencement ceremonies for 4,946 graduates while conferring 3,556 undergraduate degrees, 1,013 master’s degrees, 220 certificates and 157 doctoral degrees. The graduates represented 39 states and 94 of North Carolina’s 100 counties. Freeman A. Hrabowski III, president emeritus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, served as the keynote speaker during the ceremonies.

Texas

St. Phillip’s College recognizes more than 1,000 graduates

For spring 2023, St. Phillip’s College had over 1,100 graduates who applied to earn 1,400 degrees and certificates, and nearly 700 participated in the spring commencement ceremony. To celebrate this important occasion, former NBA player David Robinson gave the commencement speech. This ceremony was the 148th commencement and the first in its year-long lineup to celebrate St. Philip’s College’s 125th Anniversary.

Tito Guerrero delivers commencement address at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi hosted a record-breaking spring commencement ceremony as it conferred 1,319 degrees on May 20 – the most degrees earned in a single semester in the university’s history. Tito Guerrero Ed.D., who serves as the director of the Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo for HACU, delivered the commencement address. Guerrero formerly served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at TAMU-CC, and in numerous teaching and administrative roles for over 20 years.

In his address, Guerrero spoke about the remarkable transformation of the island university during his time of service and reflected on how society at large benefits from the success of students who graduate with an advanced degree.

Texas A&M International University graduates cross the stage in spring commencement exercises

Nearly 900 candidates for graduation from Texas A&M International University participated in two spring commencement exercises on May 10, 2023. Commencement speaker for both ceremonies was Imelda Navarro, president of Retail Banking for International Bank of Commerce’s sales and operations for 167 branches in Texas and Oklahoma.

UTRGV spring 2023 commencement recognizes more than 3,000 graduates

Families and loved ones celebrated a special milestone for more than 3,000 graduates who crossed the stage to accept their diplomas during The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s spring 2023 Commencement. The university held a total of five ceremonies in Edinburg and Brownsville. UTRGV President Guy Bailey congratulated the graduates on their success and had encouraging words for the newest alumni as they pursue their future goals and careers.

Virginia

Marymount University’s Class of 2023 celebrated at 72nd annual commencement ceremonies

University of Houston celebrates spring graduates

The University of Houston celebrated the class of 2023 during commencement ceremonies on May 10-13, 2023. During spring commencement, more than 6,700 UH graduates crossed the stage to receive their undergraduate and graduate diplomas.

Approximately 1,090 students received their degrees May 19-21 during Marymount University’s 72nd annual commencement ceremonies, held for Marymount’s three colleges.

Graduates were students from the classes of fall 2022, spring 2023 and summer 2023 semesters, as well as students who graduated in summer 2022 but were not eligible to participate in last year’s ceremonies. HACU Governing Board member Irma Becerra, Ph.D., president of Marymount University, addressed graduates from the College of Business, Innovation, Leadership and Technology.

HACU’s 28th Annual National Capitol Forum brings together advocates for HSIs

HACU’s 28th Annual National Capitol Forum on Hispanic Higher Education was held on April 18, 2023, featuring notable guest speakers during the largest Forum gathering to date with approximately 375 participants in attendance.

Four pre-Forum free workshops featured representatives from the Department of Education, National Science Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities, Department of Agriculture, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Department of Housing and Human Services, Department of State, Department of Transportation, Department of Justice and the Defense Health Agency.

The Opening Plenary featured a virtual address by Vice President Kamala Harris, followed by an in-person address from Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra. Program Director Janeth Sanchez of Health Equity, All of Us Research program at the National Institutes of Health provided a presentation as a featured partner of the Forum.

The early afternoon session following the plenary, “Building Federal Partnerships and Securing Opportunities for HSIs,” convened by HACU Senior Vice President for Policy and Government Relations Lena Rodriguez, featured Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a Fireside Chat with HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. Other speakers at the session were:

• Department of State’s Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Lee Satterfield

• Department of Homeland Security’s Assistant Secretary of Partnership and Engagement Brenda Abdelall

• President and Chair of the Board of Directors at Export-Import Bank of the United States Reta Jo Lewis

President Flores and Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Department of State’s Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Lee Satterfield.

The late afternoon session, “Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Hispanic-Serving Institutions Caucus Educational Priorities,” was convened by HACU Governing Board member and San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre, and featured Sen. Robert Menendez giving opening remarks. Other featured speakers were:

• Rep. Juan Ciscomani

• Rep. Pete Aguilar

• Rep. Rosa DeLauro

• Rep. Adriano Espaillat

• Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón

On the second day of the Forum, Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona and Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo joined Flores for a Fireside Chat covering topics regarding the educational priorities of each department. The event was followed by congressional visits to Capitol Hill, where over 260 participants met with members of Congress and their staff in close to 150 offices to advance HACU’s legislative priorities.

Special thanks to partners and sponsors of HACU’s 28th National Capitol Forum: The National Institutes of Health All of Us Research Program, National University, Bitwise and Southwest Airlines.

Vice President of Corporate and External Affairs at NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises Luis Rosero, and President Flores.

Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo, HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores, and U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona during a Fireside chat.

From L to R: HACU Governing Board Substitute for Past-Chair and President, College of Southern Nevada Federico Zaragoza; President of Union College Margaret McMenamin; President of Universidad de Iberoamérica Emma Grace Hernández Flores; Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona, HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores; HACU Governing Board Chair and Chancellor of Alamo Colleges District Mike Flores; and San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre.

(Above) 2023 Capitol Forum Attendees

(Right) HACU Governing Board Chair and Chancellor of Alamo Colleges District Mike Flores.

Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona.

President Flores and Senator Charles Schumer.

Delegation visits with members of Congress

Delegation visits with members of Congress

(Left) Delegation visits with members of Congress

(Above) HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores with student attendees of HACU's 28th Annual National Capitol Forum

tour visits University of Illinois Chicago, Hudson County Community College

HACU on the Road

HACU made visits to Illinois and New Jersey during the spring of 2023 as part of its HACU on the Road tour. For over 10 years HACU has visited national and international campuses to speak to education and community leaders about important issues in higher education, and to highlight HACU’s programs and initiatives.

On March 8, 2023, a HACU on the Road event was held on the campus of University of Illinois Chicago, bringing together approximately 70 attendees from the Chicago area to learn more about the Association. Speakers included University of Illinois Chicago Chancellor Javier Reyes, Ph.D., and Vice Chancellor Amalia Pallares, Ph.D., followed by HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores presenting on HACU programs and initiatives. Melanie Valentin, HACU intern and UIC student, spoke to attendees about her current internship and experience with the program.

HACU intern and UIC student Melanie Valentin.

University of Illinois Chicago Vice Chancellor Amalia Pallares.

University of Illinois Chicago Chancellor Javier Reyes.

Chancellor Javier Reyes, University of Illinois with President Flores.

HACU was on the campus of Hudson County Community College in Jersey City, New Jersey on May 4, 2023, following the Chicago visit. The event brought together approximately 75 members of the HCCC community, leaders of Hispanic-Serving Institutions and state leaders from the surrounding area.

Speakers included HCCC President Christopher M. Reber, Ph.D., and HCCC Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Yeurys Pujols. President Flores discussed the state of Hispanic higher education, priority issues for HSIs, and HACU programs and initiatives. HCCC students Leandra Cancel, Justin Mosqueda and Dubravka Kos shared their experiences at HACU’s Annual Conference with attendees.

The event included a Town Hall panel discussion with Flores, HCCC President Reber, HCCC Latino Advisory Council Wendy Martinez, and HCCC Assistant Professor Gilda Reyes. A roundtable was also held with local media outlets to discuss the impact HACU’s programs have on institutions and the students they serve.

HACU on the Road is an initiative designed to promote national and international dialogue about the state of Hispanic higher education among chancellors, presidents of colleges and universities, superintendents of Hispanic-Serving School Districts, corporate leaders and other supporters of Hispanic higher education.

From L to R: HCCC Latino Advisory Council Wendy Martinez; President Flores; HCCC President Christopher M. Reber; and HCCC Assistant Professor Gilda Reyes.